Hooded garment with multiple access points

ABSTRACT

An insulated garment for covering an upper body of a patient comprising: an article of clothing having a neck opening, a first sleeve opening, a second sleeve opening, a lower opening, wherein a hood is attached to the neck opening and a first and a second resealable clasp are incorporated into the article of clothing distal to the neck opening; a first sleeve having a first end and second end and is attached to the first sleeve opening of the vest at the first end, wherein a third resealable clasp is integrated into the first opening of the first sleeve and the resealable clasp permits the formation of more than one opening; and a second sleeve, wherein a fourth resealable clasp is integrated into the second opening of the second sleeve and the resealable clasp permits the formation of more than one opening.

BACKGROUND

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC 120 of U.S.provisional patent application Ser. No. 16/110,616 filed Aug. 23, 2018.The disclosure of the prior applications is considered part of (and isincorporated by reference in) the disclosure of this application.

The present invention relates generally to the field of medicalgarments, and more particularly to a garment that is designed forpatients that need additional access points for different treatments.

Millions of individuals suffer from medical conditions that can bemanaged with regular dialysis treatment. In dialysis, the patient'sblood flow is redirected temporarily through a machine which performsthe cleaning and fluid-balancing functions that the patient's own organs(kidneys) can no longer manage on their own. Patients must receive suchtreatments regularly (perhaps a few times a week), and so are oftenfitted with “ports” that ease the difficulty and trauma associated withconnection to the dialysis machines. These ports may be located on thepatient's arms, legs, chest and/or abdomen, as determined by theirdoctor and depending on the patient's physiology and needs.

Many people, both adults and children, require ongoing medical treatmentin which medical practitioners must access certain areas of the body.The medical treatments may be, but are not limited to, dialysis,chemotherapy, post operative treatment and attention to diagnosticequipment. Often these treatments require the patient to expose privateareas of their body for extended periods of time in a semi-public area(e.g., a room or ward with other patients without any walls or curtains)because the attending medical personal must visually monitor thetreatment area. As a result, the patient must endure the embarrassmentand indignity of being partially naked in addition to enduring themedical treatment.

Although medical facilities could provide garments or gowns for thepatients, this would increase the cost of the treatments and lengthenthe time the patient has to be at the facility. Alternatively, severalspecialty garments have been designed to provide access to a patient'streatment areas. However, these designs do not really solve the problembecause they expose a larger area of the body than is necessary, are notflexible enough to provide access to the most commonly used areas of thebody for ongoing medical treatments and/or use unwieldy and unattractiveflaps. Moreover, all these designs look like gowns and not regularclothes.

Thus, there is a need for a garment that provides access to the variousbody parts while also keeping the wearer covered as well as comfortable.

SUMMARY

In a first embodiment, the present invention is an insulated garment forcovering an upper body of a patient comprising: a vest having a neckopening, a first sleeve opening, a second sleeve opening, a loweropening, a first face and a central axis extending from the neck openingto the lower opening, wherein a hood is attached to the neck opening anda first and a second zipper extend from the neck opening towards thelower opening a predetermined distance and are angled away from thecentral axis at an angle; a first sleeve having a first end and secondend and is attached to the first sleeve opening of the vest at the firstend and a cuff attached at the second end and a first opening present onthe first sleeve, wherein the first opening terminates before the cuff,wherein a third zipper with two pull tabs is integrated into the firstopening of the first sleeve and the zipper pull tabs are positioned atopposite ends of the first opening of the first sleeve when in a closedposition and the first opening of the first sleeve is covered by a pieceof material; and a second sleeve having a first end and second end andis attached to the second sleeve opening of the vest at the first end, acuff is attached at the second end, and a second opening present on thesecond sleeve wherein the second opening terminates before the cuff,wherein a fourth zipper with two pull tabs is integrated into the secondopening of the second sleeve and the zipper pull tabs are positioned atopposite ends of the second opening of the second sleeve when in the aclosed position and the second opening of the second sleeve is coveredby a piece of material.

In a second embodiment, the present invention is An insulated garmentfor covering an upper body of a patient comprising: an article ofclothing having a neck opening, a first sleeve opening, a second sleeveopening, a lower opening, wherein a hood is attached to the neck openingand a first and a second resealable clasp are incorporated into thearticle of clothing distal to the neck opening; a first sleeve having afirst end and second end and is attached to the first sleeve opening ofthe vest at the first end and a cuff attached at the second end and afirst opening present on the first sleeve, wherein the first openingterminates before the cuff, wherein a third resealable clasp isintegrated into the first opening of the first sleeve and the resealableclasp permits the formation of more than one opening; and a secondsleeve having a first end and second end and is attached to the secondsleeve opening of the vest at the first end, a cuff is attached at thesecond end, and a second opening present on the second sleeve whereinthe second opening terminates before the cuff, wherein a fourthresealable clasp is integrated into the second opening of the secondsleeve and the resealable clasp permits the formation of more than oneopening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depict a view of a garment with resealable openings in the openposition, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depict a view of the garment with the resealable openings in anopen position, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of thepresent disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodimentsillustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used todescribe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitationof the scope of this disclosure is thereby intended.

The present invention realizes the need for garments that arecomfortable, insulated, discreet, and accessible for when medicalprocedures need to be performed on them during their treatments.

Most patients that are receiving chemo, dialysis, are the elderly, theirhemoglobin usually runs low and they cannot tolerate the coldtemperature in most medical facilities. Therefore, they wear,year-round, the jogging suit for warmth. However, the jogging suitstypically do not have openings to help the medical staff to help gainaccess to their access with minimal skin exposure. The patient typicallyfeels embarrassed or uncomfortable sitting for hours while gettingtreatment and being exposed. The openings need to be in the sleeve,neckline leading to the chest, and in the thigh area. This can helppeople of all ages including children who are going through chemo.

FIG. 1 depict a view of a garment 100 with resealable openings 120 and121 in a closed position, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention. The garment 100 is comprised of portion 101 whichcovers the torso of the wearer, a first sleeve 102 and a second sleeve103 which cover the arms of the wearer. The portion 101, the firstsleeve 102, the second sleeve 103, and the hood 104 may be made from oneor more layers of fabric or material to provide an insulating effect tokeep the wearer warm. At the opening for the wearer's head is a collar130. The opening has a hood 104 to cover the wear's head. The garment100 also has a pocket 123 on the front. At the end of the sleeves 102and 103 are cuffs 116 and 117. In additional embodiments, the collar 130may have a hoodie attached to cover the wearer's head and provideadditional warmth. In additional embodiments, the garment 100 may havevarious pockets either accessible from the exterior or interior of thegarment 100. The pockets may be on the portion 101, the first sleeve102, and/or the second sleeve 103.

The garment 100 is made from a cloth material preferably selected fromcotton, cotton fleece, wool, or synthetic fibers such as nylon orpolyester. The garment 100 may also have additional insulation layers asmany of the patients before, during, and after the treatments tend toexperience chills or cold spells due to the illness and/or thetreatments and additional layers of insulation materials assist inretaining as much body heat as possible. The garment 100 is designed tobe aesthetically appealing so the patient does not appear to be wearingmedical clothing and can comfortably and confidently wear the bodycovering into and out of the treatment facility without much notice. Thegarment 100 is designed to be indistinguishable from street clothes. Avariety of decorative, comfortable, stylish and/or warm fabrics can beused.

Integrated into the sleeves 102 and 103 are resealable openings 120. Theresealable openings 120 are positioned on the interior area of thesleeves 102 and 103 to conceal the openings, and provide convenientaccess when procedures are needed to be performed. The resealableopenings 120 and 121 may also be covered by sections of material orfabric which are attached to the garment 100 and extend over theresealable openings 120 and 121. In many dialysis procedures, theinterior of the arm and neck of the wearer is where the nurse or medicalprofessional needs to gain access. With typical clothing, the entirearticle of clothing needs to be removed to gain access to the area.

In the depicted embodiments, the resealable openings 120 are positionedso when the wearer's arm are at their side, the opening is near themedial antebrachial of the arm, and not the lateral antebrachial portionof the arm. The positioning of the resealable openings 120 aresubstantially identical locations on sleeves 102 and 103. In additionalembodiments, the resealable openings 120 may be positioned in variouspositions and locations along the sleeves 102 and 103 of the garment andmay be in substantially different positions and lengths from oneanother. In the depicted embodiment the fasteners 120 are zip fastenersor clasp lockers which extend from the above cuffs 116 to an areabetween the medial brachial cut and the intercosto bracial of thewearer. In additional embodiments, the resealable openings 120 mayextend through the entire cuff 116 to completely open up the sleeves 102and/or 103 or may extend to the end of the sleeve near the axilla of thewearer.

In the depicted embodiment, the resealable openings 120 on sleeve 102has two zipper pull tabs 108 and 109 along the zipper 110. The zipperpull tabs are positioned at opposite ends of the zippers when in theclosed position. In the depicted embodiment, the resealable openings 120on sleeve 103 has two zipper pull tabs 106 and 105 along the zipper 107.The zipper pull tabs 106 and 105 are positioned at opposite ends of thezipper 107 when in the closed position. In additional embodiments, bothof the zipper pull tabs (105 and 106 or 108 and 109) may be positionedat the cuff end of the zipper or the axilla of the wearer, or both maybe located in close proximity anywhere along the zipper 107 and 110.

This allows the wearer the greatest versatility when accessing theinterior of the sleeves. Each zipper pull tab can open and close aseparate relative opening. For example, for dialysis medical procedures,the access needs to be nearest to the axilla of the wearer, while vitalsmay also need to be taken near the wearer's wrist or lower arm. In manyinstances, the person needs to have additional procedures performedwhile having dialysis treatment which require access to the lowerportion of person's arm. These resealable openings 120 help the personwith a fistula, or gortex either in the forearm or upper arm for themedical staff to access their access, leaving them with minimalexposure. In one example, the pull tab 106 may be brought down to pulltab 105 allowing the wearer maximum access to the dialysis equipmentabove their elbow, connect the equipment, and reposition pull tabs 106and 105 at the top end of the zipper 107 to allow access to their armfor additional procedures or for vitals to be taken with exposing theleast amount of their body.

Along the upper portion of the garment 100 torso portion 101 is anotherset of resealable openings 121 which allow access to an area around theneck of the wearer. The resealable openings 121 do not interface withthe collar 130 of the garment 100 and are positioned in distal to thecollar 130. The resealable openings 121 are positioned so that the areaaround the neck is accessible when the resealable opening(s) 121 is inthe open position. In the depicted embodiment, the resealable openings121 start an equal distance from one another relative to a center lineof the garment 100, and extend at a predetermined downward at apredetermined angle away from that center line and a set distance. Inone embodiment the resealable openings 121 are angled 30 degreesrelative to the center line. In additional embodiments, various otherangles relative to the center line may be implemented. The angle,curvature, and length of the resealable openings 121 may vary eitherindependently or mirrored over the center line. In a central venouscatheter the access point for the catheter is around the pectoralmuscles of the person below their collarbone. Additionally, in aperma-catheter subclavian catheter or port-catheter jugular catheter,the access point is below the calvicale or collarbone of the person. Theposition and length of the resealable openings 121 are designed toextend a length which gives access for the majority of central venouscatheters. In the depicted embodiment, the resealable openings 121 arezippers 113 and 114 with one pull tabs 112 and 111 respectively. Thepull tabs 112 and 111, when the zipper 113 and 114 are closed, arepositioned at the collar 130. This allows the pull tabs to be easilyaccessible and concealed. In some embodiment, the resealable openings121 has an extension of fabric which covers the pull tabs 112 and 111.In additional embodiments, the length, and direction of the resealableopenings 121 may be varied based on the intended type of access which isrequired for the specific procedure. For example, a flap 132 of materialis used to cover the resealable openings 121. In the depictedembodiment, the dashed line is to show where the flap 132 may be tocover the resealable openings 121.

The resealable openings 120 and 121 provides adequate access (visual andphysical) to the treatment area while maintaining as much of thepatient's privacy as possible. The resealable openings 120 and 121 canbe secured with one or more fasteners, such as zippers, hook and looptape (e.g., Velcro®, etc.), snaps, buttons, or various other clasps or acombination thereof. In some embodiments, the resealable openings 120and 121 are hidden by a seam, flap or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the resealable openings 120 and 121 are not locatedalong the construction seams of the garment.

FIG. 2 depict a view of a garment 100 with the resealable openings 120and 121 in the open position, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention. As shown in the depicted embodiment, the resealableopenings 120 permit two access openings on each arm (128. 129 and 125and 124 respectively) when in the maximum open position. This providesthe benefit of allowing maximum access at the start of the procedure,and then allows the person to close to the opening to keep in heat, andkeep colder ambient arm from contacting their skin or the sensitivearea. The garment does not restrict or create difficulties for theprocedure. In the depicted embodiment resealable openings 120 extend tothe cuff 116 and 117, so that when the wearer does not have toaccidently completely open up the entire sleeve and have to attempt toclose the entire sleeve while having the procedure performed.

The resealable openings 121 are shown having openings 126 and 127 whenthe pull tabs 111 and 112 are in the open position. This again allowsfor the use of the equipment with maximum concealment.

The resealable openings 120 and 121, are designed so when they areopened, they can be adjusted to allow for the opening to allow access touse the medical equipment and then closed around the medical equipmentto keep the wearer as warm as possible and reduce the size of theopenings to limit heat lose. In other embodiments, where the resealableopenings 120 and 121 do not use a zipper or resealable opening thatrequires a pull tab, the mechanism provides this benefit as well.

The invention is inclusive of combinations of the embodiments orembodiments described herein. References to “a particular embodiment” or“embodiment” and the like refer to features that are present in at leastone embodiment of the invention. Separate references to “an embodiment”or “particular embodiments” or “embodiments” or the like do notnecessarily refer to the same embodiment or embodiments; however, suchembodiments are not mutually exclusive, unless so indicated or as arereadily apparent to one of skill in the art. The use of singular orplural in referring to “method” or “methods” and the like is notlimiting. The word “or” is used in this disclosure in a non-exclusivesense, unless otherwise explicitly noted.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specificembodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives,modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in theart. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention, as setforth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Variouschanges may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of thisinvention. The present invention shall be easily carried out by anordinary skilled person in the art, and any modifications and changesare deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice embodiments of the invention, including making and usingany devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. Thepatentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and mayinclude other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Suchother examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if theyhave structural elements that do not differ from the literal language ofthe claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements withinsubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An insulated garment for covering an upper bodyof a patient comprising: a vest having a neck opening, a first sleeveopening, a second sleeve opening, a lower opening, a first face and acentral axis extending from the neck opening to the lower opening,wherein a hood is attached to the neck opening and a first and a secondzipper extend from the neck opening towards the lower opening apredetermined distance and are angled away from the central axis at anangle; a first sleeve having a first end and second end and is attachedto the first sleeve opening of the vest at the first end and a cuffattached at the second end and a first opening present on the firstsleeve, wherein the first opening terminates before the cuff, wherein athird zipper with two pull tabs is integrated into the first opening ofthe first sleeve and the zipper pull tabs are positioned at oppositeends of the first opening of the first sleeve when in a closed positionand the first opening of the first sleeve is covered by a piece ofmaterial; and a second sleeve having a first end and second end and isattached to the second sleeve opening of the vest at the first end, acuff is attached at the second end, and a second opening present on thesecond sleeve wherein the second opening terminates before the cuff,wherein a fourth zipper with two pull tabs is integrated into the secondopening of the second sleeve and the zipper pull tabs are positioned atopposite ends of the second opening of the second sleeve when in the aclosed position and the second opening of the second sleeve is coveredby a piece of material.
 2. The insulated garment for covering an upperbody of a patient of claim 1, wherein the first and second zipper has apiece of material to cover ends of the first and second zippers
 3. Thegarment for covering the upper body of the patient of claim 1, whereinthe first and second zippers-are positioned-in a closed position, when azipper pull tab is next to the neck end.
 4. A garment of claim 1,wherein the first and second zippers are angled 30 degrees away from thecentral axis.
 5. The garment for covering the upper body of the patientof claim 1, wherein the third zipper is in an open position, the thirdzipper pulls of the third zipper form two apertures providing access toan interior of the first sleeve.
 6. The garment for covering the upperbody of the patient of claim 1, wherein the fourth zipper are in an openposition, the fourth zipper pull of the fourth zipper form two aperturesproviding access to an interior of the second sleeve.
 7. The garment forcovering the upper body of the patient of claim 1, wherein the first andsecond openings are configured to be positioned relative to an interiorportion of an arm of the patient.
 8. The garment for covering the upperbody of a patient of claim 1, wherein at least one pocket is attached tothe garment.
 9. The garment for covering the upper body of a patient ofclaim 1, wherein at least one layer of insulating material lines thegarment.
 10. An insulated garment for covering an upper body of apatient comprising: an article of clothing having a neck opening, afirst sleeve opening, a second sleeve opening, a lower opening, whereina hood is attached to the neck opening and a first and a secondresealable clasp are incorporated into the article of clothing distal tothe neck opening; a first sleeve having a first end and second end andis attached to the first sleeve opening of the vest at the first end anda cuff attached at the second end and a first opening present on thefirst sleeve, wherein the first opening terminates before the cuff,wherein a third resealable clasp is integrated into the first opening ofthe first sleeve and the resealable clasp permits the formation of morethan one opening; and a second sleeve having a first end and second endand is attached to the second sleeve opening of the vest at the firstend, a cuff is attached at the second end, and a second opening presenton the second sleeve wherein the second opening terminates before thecuff, wherein a fourth resealable clasp is integrated into the secondopening of the second sleeve and the resealable clasp permits theformation of more than one opening.
 11. The insulated garment forcovering an upper body of a patient of claim 10, wherein the first andsecond resealable clasp are positioned to extend from the neck openingtowards the lower opening a predetermined distance and are angled awayfrom a central axis at a predetermined angle.
 12. The insulated garmentfor covering an upper body of a patient of claim 10, wherein the firstand second openings are positioned relative to the serratus anterior ofa wear on the sleeves.
 13. The garment for covering the upper body of apatient of claim 10, wherein at least one pocket is attached to thegarment.
 14. The insulated garment for covering an upper body of apatient of claim 10, wherein when the first and second resealable claspsare angled at substantial the same angle away from a central of thearticle of clothing.
 15. The insulated garment for covering an upperbody of a patient of claim 10, wherein a hood is attached along the neckopening.